featn.
/fiːt/, U.S. /fit/ a. In neutral sense: An action, deed, course of conduct; = fact n. 1. Also feats and deeds. to do, perform or work the feat: to ‘do the deed’. to work one's (full) feat: to effect one's full purpose.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > [noun] > an act or deed
deedc825
i-wurhtc888
workOE
casec1325
acta1393
actiona1393
operationc1395
featc1420
exploitc1425
commissionc1475
factc1487
practice1547
part1561
practisement1581
issuea1616
performancea1616
performenta1641
factum1641
coup1791
stunt1904
the world > action or operation > behaviour > [noun] > (a) course of conduct or action
wayeOE
pathOE
waya1225
tracea1300
line13..
dancea1352
tenor1398
featc1420
faction1447
rink?a1500
footpath1535
trade1536
vein1549
tract1575
course1582
road1600
country dance1613
track1638
steeragea1641
rhumb1666
tack1675
conduct1706
walk1755
wheel-way1829
c1420 Chron. Vilod. 2464 To Wylton he bytte ȝow gon To parforme þe fette.
a1492 W. Caxton tr. Vitas Patrum (1495) i. ix. f. xiiiv/2 Saynt Iherom..prayed that he wold recounte to hem of his faytes & his dedes.
1503–4 Act 19 Hen. VII c. 34 Preamb. Dyvers feetis betwen theym conseyved and conspired.
a1552 J. Leland Itinerary (1711) IV. 5 Of the which [treasoure]..he tooke a certein part..to a Feete at his own Pleasure.
a1555 N. Ridley Wks. (1843) 65 Thou..shalt be lawfully called to do thy feat and to play thy part.
1576 G. Wapull Tyde taryeth no Man sig. B.iiijv Thy money is English, which must worke the feate.
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 579/1 To come to their succours in tyme, and ere the Englishmenne hadde wrought their full feate.
1587 G. Turberville Tragicall Tales f. 52 He that had resolude..to..doe his feate, and home agayne.
1630 tr. G. Botero Relations Famous Kingdomes World (rev. ed.) 34 Where numbers..and weapons have not..prevailed, there hath money alone done the feat.
1656 B. Harris tr. J. N. de Parival Hist. Iron Age i. i. iv. 7 The Tartars..as soon as they have done their feat..betake themselves to their heels.
1678 S. Butler Hudibras: Third Pt. iii. i. 30 If you have perform'd the Feat, The Blows are visible.
1734 A. Pope Satires of Horace ii. ii. 15 If then plain Bread and milk will do the feat, The pleasure lies in you, not in the meat.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > [noun] > as opposed to words or theory
feat1362
practica1387
practive1395
practicec1487
praxisa1586
deeding1606
res non verba1805
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > violent behaviour > [phrase] > by violence or force
strong handOE
by forcec1320
through, with, of forcec1320
by or with strifec1330
by way of feat1362
by (also with, by) fine forcea1375
by mighta1425
by force and armsa1481
by way of deed1535
by (the) head and shoulders1571
by (the) head and ears1590
sting and ling1816
1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. i. 160 James þe gentel bond hit in his Book, Þat [Fey] withouten [fait] Is febelore þen nouȝt.
a1400–50 Alexander 4366 All þare fete..in falshede it endis.
1426 Oath of Lords in Hall's Vnion: Henry VI (1548) f. xcvijv Not suffer that any of the saied parties..procede or attempte by waie of feit against the kynges peace.
1426 Oath of Lords in Hall's Vnion: Henry VI (1548) f. xcvijv Redressyng all suche maner of procedyng by waie of feit or force.
1560 Proude Wyues Pater Noster 35 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. IV. 152 I can nought gete of him by fete nor wyle.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > business affairs > [noun] > a business transaction
negotiationa1500
feat1588
transactiona1656
job1660
business transaction1806
operation1832
1588 H. Oldcastle & J. Mellis Briefe Instr. Accompts sig. Fivv Put your feates downe.. aparte in a leafe..after your doing.
d. by feat of: by the agency of, by dint of. Obsolete exc. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > instrumentality > by the instrumentality of [phrase]
in virtue ofa1250
by (also with) strength of1340
by the virtue ofa1375
by way ofa1393
by (also through) (the) means (also mean) ofa1398
by remedy ofa1398
by force of1411
by feat of1489
by (occasionally through) the benefit ofa1538
in the way of1622
by the way of1623
by (the) dint of1664
by the force of1697
perforce of1714
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes i. i. 1 Executed by fayt of dyligence and witte.
1805 W. Scott Lay of Last Minstrel i. xi. 16 Men said he changed his mortal frame By feat of magic mystery.
2. † b. man or folk of feat: man or folk of deeds or might. Cf. French gens de fait.
a. An exceptional or noteworthy act or achievement; esp. a deed of valour; a noble exploit. Often in feat of arms. Now somewhat archaic, and with some mixture of 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > [noun] > an act or deed > exceptional or remarkable
adventurec1300
bearinga1387
feata1400
hardiment1487
facta1525
derring-do1579
achievement1583
adventry1616
coup d'éclat1668
exploit1725
venture1810
stunt1892
a hard act to follow1942
the mind > emotion > courage > valour > deed of valour > [noun] > heroic feat
chivalry1297
bountyc1330
vassalagec1330
feata1400
turnc1400
pointc1440
valiance1470
valiantise1513
valiancy1627
gallantry1652
heroism1740
heroics1873
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [noun] > one who or that which is successful > that which is successful > an achievement
feata1400
wonder-worka1400
exploitc1425
achievance1531
achievement1583
attaining1606
attainment1665
effort1857
get1992
a1400–50 Alexander 3105 All þe feete at oure fadirs in þe fold hade.
1485 W. Caxton tr. Paris & Vienne (1957) 8 Knyghtes redy to do fayte of armes.
?1507 C. Brandon et al. Iustes of Maye (de Worde) sig. B.iiv Noble actes and faytes mercyall Shall be had in remembraunce immortall.
?1567 M. Parker Whole Psalter cvi. 305 Noble faytes in Egipt done.
1584 King James VI & I Ess. Prentise Poesie sig. Miijv Martiall and knichtly faittis of armes.
1611 Bible (King James) Judith xi. 8 Thou onely art..wonderfull in feates of warre. View more context for this quotation
1642 R. Carpenter Experience A peece of sanctified and blessed waxe, which shall..make the Devill runne, and doe many such feates.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 537 With feats of Arms From either end of Heav'n the welkin burns. View more context for this quotation
1813 W. Scott Bridal of Triermain ii. xxvi. 97 For feats of arms as far renowned As warrior of the Table Round.
1843 E. Bulwer-Lytton Last of Barons I. i. i. 21 Those personal feats..dazzled the populace.
1856 A. P. Stanley Sinai & Palestine (1858) iii. 161 Othniel performed the feat of arms that won him the daughter of Caleb.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > courage > heroism > [noun] > hero > person of deeds
man or folk of featc1500
Roland1525
desperate1578
derring doers1596
white knight1628
c1500 Melusine (1895) 211 Prysouners..al men of estate & faytte.
c1500 Melusine (1895) 119 They were folke of faytte and of grete enterpryse.
3. An action displaying dexterity or strength; a surprising trick, a ‘tour de force’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > [noun] > an act or deed > of strength or skill
feat1564
tour de force1802
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [noun] > display of skill > an act or feat of skill
masteryc1225
maistricec1390
feat1564
execution1581
stroke1672
tour de force1802
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [noun] > one who or that which is successful > that which is successful > a successful stroke
gird1513
feat1564
grand coup1752
coup1791
tour de force1802
hit1811
ten-strike1840
bull's-eye1857
score1901
strike1901
1564 Briefe Exam. ****** Among the Painims..men are able to worke theyr feates.
1612 Bp. J. Hall Contempl. I. i. iv. 335 Hee had rather send for his magicians to worke feats.
1682 S. Pordage Medal Revers'd 281 The jugling feat Is plainly seen.
1770 O. Goldsmith Deserted Village 22 Sleights of art and feats of strength went round.
1822 T. Webster Imison's Elem. Sci. & Art (new ed.) I. 22 Feats of balancing.
1826 J. Wilson Noctes Ambrosianae xxix, in Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Nov. 773 What tricks did the imps perform? They werena tricks—they were fates.
1867 M. E. Herbert Cradle Lands vi. 155 A wonderful feat of architectural skill.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > badness or evil > evil deed > [noun]
unwrenchc897
checkc1330
trippetc1330
wretchednessc1380
iniquities1477
feat1481
dog-trick?c1550
malefice1591
mistreading1598
meschantery1634
dog's trick1742
society > morality > moral evil > wrong conduct > evildoing or wrongdoing > [noun] > an evil deed > an evil deed, fault, or offence
sinc825
guilt971
man deedOE
evilOE
misbodea1200
follya1275
unthrift1303
misbreydec1380
offencec1384
crimec1390
forfeit1393
felonya1400
faultc1400
misfeatc1400
feat1481
demerit1485
misdemeanoura1513
facta1533
piaculum1575
miscarriage1579
delinquishment1593
delinquency1603
piacle1644
amissness1648
peccancy1648
1481 W. Caxton tr. Siege & Conqueste Jerusalem (1893) 224 This fals turk..had don this feet.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos iv. 20 The blody faytte vpon me doon by the false..Plasmator.
1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Clarence xii Towarde his feat to set me more on fire.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > [noun]
mongingOE
cheapinga1000
cheapOE
chaffer?c1225
merchandisea1300
market-making1340
merchandyc1350
corseriec1380
chafferinga1382
need-doinga1382
changea1387
chapmanhoodc1386
cossery?a1400
bargaining1401
merchandisinga1425
merchandrya1450
intercourse1473
business1478
chapmanry1483
the feat of merchandisec1503
market1525
trade1549
marting1553
contractation1555
trading1556
merchantryc1560
marketing1561
mart1562
trafficking1570
contraction1582
tract1582
nundination1586
commerce1587
chafferya1599
negotiation1601
intertraffica1603
traffic1603
commercery1604
intertrading1606
correspondence1607
mercature1611
correspondency1613
coss?1635
negotiating1640
dealing1691
chapmanship1727
merchanting1883
intertrade1915
society > armed hostility > war > [noun]
MarsOE
war1154
warc1374
irona1387
guerre?a1475
Mart?a1475
(the) feat of warc1503
militia1641
sport of kings1735
emergency1958
the world > action or operation > doing > [noun] > a kind or department of action
featc1503
society > trade and finance > trader > merchant > [noun] > group or body of > specific
Hanse1199
staple1423
the feat of merchandisec1503
corporation1530
Stilliardois1552
the Steads1557
galley-man1581
hong1769
society > armed hostility > drill or training > [noun]
discipline?a1439
training?1569
points of war1580
drilla1637
drilling1639
feats of war1650
square-bashing1943
c1503 R. Arnold Chron. f. xxviij/2 Freemen ocupied a bowte the faite of marchanddise in ferre contreis.
1511–12 Act 3 Hen. VIII c. 5 §1 To serve the Kyng..in feit of Warre.
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour i. viii. sig. Di By the feate of portraiture..a capitaine may discriue the countray of his aduersary.
1540 T. Cranmer Prol. or Pref. in Bible (Great) Pref. sig. ✠v The smyth..wyll not sell..the toles of hys occupacyon, for then howe shulde he worke his feate?
1540 Act 32 Hen. VIII c. 42 §3 Suche persones..exercise barbari, as washynge, or shauyng, and other feates thervnto belongyng.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 10039 Wise men in werr..Of all fetis enfourmyt, þat to fight longit.
1555 Act 2 & 3 Ph. & M. c. 11 §4 No..Weaver..shall..exercise the Feat or Mystery of a Tucker.
1574 J. Dee in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Lit. Men (1843) (Camden) 38 A good boke or Instrument for Perspective, Astronomy, or som feat of importance.
1577 H. I. tr. H. Bullinger 50 Godlie Serm. II. iii. i. sig. Bb.iiv/1 The feate of merchandising is no where condemned throughout the holye Scriptures.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. (1609) xxi. xxv. 407 A nation unskilfull altogether in the feat of assaulting townes.
1650 J. Milton Tenure of Kings (ed. 2) 57 They..practice feats in the Artillery-ground.
1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden Of Dominion of Sea 498 People..using and exercising the craft and feat of Fishing.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [noun] > skill or adroitness > a skill or knack
featc1386
sleighta1400
art1503
knack1581
quirka1616
tricka1616
to get the hang of1845
c1386 G. Chaucer Clerk's Tale 373 Grisildis..Coude all the fete of wifly homliness.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 1529 Masons..þat mykull fete couthe.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Mark iii. f. 27 None knewe better the feate howe to worke mischiefe.
1553 Short Catech. in Liturgies, etc. (1844) 496 More..than that I, by any feat of utterance, may easily express it.
1599 T. Nashe Lenten Stuffe 71 They want the right feate how to salt and season them.
1633 J. Ford Loves Sacrifice i. sig. Cv I haue got the feat on't.
a1680 J. Glanvill Saducismus Triumphatus (1681) ii. 39 These Men having..the Feat..of Colouring, Painting and Fucussing.
a. Fact, actuality. In phrases: the feat of: the facts that relate to. in, of feat: in fact. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > [noun] > truth known by observation, fact
truth1395
feata1400
fact1542
fact?1560
vidimus1610
unquestionable1661
fax1837
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > [noun] > true facts or circumstances
the soothc897
rightOE
trutha1382
the feat ofa1400
verity1422
the whole story1565
fact1578
the right way (also regionally gate) (of)a1628
bottom fact1864
where it's (he's, she's) at1903
inside1904
dinkum1916
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > [adverb] > in fact, actually
in, of feata1400
in effectc1405
effectually1420
really?a1425
literallyc1429
(by) matter in deed1447
indeed1535
in fact1592
merely1596
de facto1602
essentially1604
in point of fact1628
upon1644
in point of event1650
effectively1652
in matter of fact1709
absolutelya1712
substantially1753
actually1762
positively1800
in actual fact1824
factually1852
as matter of fact1871
fair dinkum1891
dinkum1894
'smatter of fact1922
basically1927
a1400–50 Alexander 30 Þai..Of þe fold & of þe firmament wele þe fete cuthe.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 1106 Hit ferde freloker in fete in his fayre honde.
1436 Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 182 Than shulde worshyp unto oure noble be, In feet and forme to lorde and magesté.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 16 Alway in feet ye haue refused him.
1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde iii. iv. I vij b Will ye thenne after see the fait of the mone.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos iv. 18 To haue knowleche of this myracle and of alle the faytte therof.
c1500 Melusine (1895) 184 Of faytte theire was grete scarmysshing and grete losse.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > in relation to [phrase] > in respect of or with regard to
in wise ofc1290
by (also for) reason ofa1350
as to (the) regard ofc1392
in regard of or toc1392
upon the side ofa1393
with regard toc1392
in respect of?a1425
in this (also that) behalf1458
upon the feat of1483
for (the) respect of1489
as pertains to1526
in order to1526
with respect1556
ad idem1574
on this behalf1581
in or with reference to1593
quoad hoc1601
in point of1605
with intuition to (of)1626
in the mention of1638
in terms of1704
how and about1753
as regards1797
as concerns1816
w.r.t.1956
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 427/1 Gyuyng counceyll to the sowles upon the fayte of theyr conscyence.
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) cxix. 160 Ones it befell to Syre Foucques delaval, as he told me vpon the fayt of this Ensample.
1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) xxiii. 76 The proude pucelle..spake..vpon the faytte of her werre.
Compounds
feat-worker n.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > legerdemain, etc. > [noun] > juggler or conjurer
jugglera1100
tregetour1340
hey-passa1593
prestigiator1595
baffler1606
feat-worker1617
hocus-pocus1624
hocus1647
chirosophist1652
fascinator1677
legerdemain1696
prestidigitator1712
conjurer1727
sleight-of-hand man1757
nimble-fingers1781
sleight-of-hand professor1801
legerdemainist1830
magician1834
illusionist1850
jongleura1851
wizard1859
deceptionist1883
mentalist1906
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > acrobatic performance > [noun] > acrobat > others
feat-worker1617
hoop-mana1668
trampolinist1843
somersaulter1850
stilt-walker1863
escapologist1926
1617 S. Purchas Pilgrimage (ed. 3) iv. xviii. §5. 504 Tumblers, and other feat-workers.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
featadj.adv.
/fiːt/, U.S. /fit/ Obsolete exc. archaic and dialect.
A. adj.
1. Fitting, suitable, proper. Const. for, to.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [adjective]
goodOE
proper?c1225
felea1250
featc1325
seeming1338
rightful1340
thriftyc1386
sittingc1390
duea1393
truea1398
goodly1398
convenienta1400
wella1400
seemc1400
likelyc1425
fitc1440
tallc1440
befalling1542
fittinga1616
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > [adjective] > fitting or proper
methelyeOE
ylikeeOE
fairOE
i-meteOE
rightOE
becomelyc1175
proper?c1225
featc1325
conablea1340
rightful1340
worthyc1350
pursuanda1375
covenable1382
dignec1385
convenablec1386
thriftyc1386
sittingc1390
comenablea1400
gainlya1400
meeta1400
wortha1400
convenientc1400
meetlya1425
suinga1425
fitc1440
tallc1440
worthyc1450
good1477
dueful?a1527
beseeminga1530
fitting1535
straighta1538
decent1539
answerable1542
becoming1565
condecent1575
becomed1599
respective1605
befittinga1612
comely1617
decorous1664
shape-like1672
beseemly1737
farrantly?1748
fitly1840
in order1850
c1325 Coer de L. 3024 Mete and drynk that is nought fete To hys body.
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue ii. viii. sig. Kiii Shewyng hym selfe a newe man, as was feet.
1555 R. Eden tr. G. F. de Oviedo y Valdés Summarie Gen. Hist. W. Indies in tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 181v A name very feete and agreable to many of them.
1570 J. Dee Math. Præf. At tymes fete, and in places convenient.
?1578 W. Patten Let. Entertainm. Killingwoorth 18 This place..of nature iz foormed so feet for the purpoze.
2. Of speech or action (hence of speakers or agents): Apt, apropos; smart, adroit. Of movements: Dexterous, graceful.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > skilful or adroit
hendc1275
happya1400
clean1485
habile1485
practivea1500
feat1519
well-handeda1529
handsome1542
trick1542
neat1571
dexterous1622
adroit1652
right-handeda1661
artful1663
nitle1673
ambidextrousa1682
clever1716
jemmy1751
slick1807
sleek1822
cleverish1826
featy1844
two-handed1861
nifty1889
mean1918
organized1926
ept1938
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > having or characterized by bodily skill
deftc1440
daft?a1500
feat1519
clever1580
dexter1597
dexterious1628
dexterous1650
featly1801
slinky1951
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > skilful or adroit > of actions, speech, etc.
feat1519
cleanlyc1540
neat1598
dexterous1639
clever1692
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > sharpness, shrewdness, insight > [adjective] > of speech, action
readya1400
politicc1430
feat1519
handsome?1543
witty1551
political1577
conceited1583
shrewd1761
sagacious1831
kokum1839
1519 W. Horman Vulgaria viii. f. 95v The feat conueyans of a speche: that soundeth well to the eare.
1532 T. More Confut. Tyndale in Wks. 421 He commeth furth with his fete proper taunte.
1557 Earl of Surrey et al. Songes & Sonettes sig. T.iiiv Who hath plaied a feater cast, Since iuglyng first begoon?
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 8 Theire witte..forgeth them some feate excuse to cloake theire vanitie.
1593 Bacchus Bountie in Harl. Misc. (Malh.) II. 273 This youth was a feate fellow and a fine faulkner.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) v. vi. 88 Neuer Master had A Page..So feate . View more context for this quotation
1640 J. Fletcher & J. Shirley Night-walker iii. sig. F4v Shee speaks feate English.
1667 Bp. J. Taylor 2nd Pt. Dissuasive from Popery Introd. sig. E2v His reasoning, and deducing from those principles such feat conclusions.
1676 E. Stillingfleet Def. Disc. Idolatry ii. iv. 785 That feat man at Controversie.
1714 J. Gay Shepherd's Week i. 49 The featest maid That e'er at wake delightsome gambol play'd.
1729 C. Cibber Love in Riddle ii. i. 30 Shew your Skill, and who's the featest Fellow!
1787 F. Grose Provinc. Gloss. (at cited word) A feit felly, a dexterous fellow.
1851 S. Judd Margaret (1871) iii. 380 With featest strokes she drives forward her canoe.
3. Of dress, etc.: Becoming, well fitting, neat, elegant. Hence of the wearer: Neatly attired.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [adjective] > fine, elegant, or smart
quaintc1330
nice1395
merryc1400
featc1430
elegant?c1500
mannerly1523
fine1526
neat1566
trim1675
smart1704
dressy1785
natty1794
good1809
dossy1889
dicty1932
whip-smart1937
zooty1943
sharp1944
preppy1963
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [adjective] > smartly or elegantly dressed
well-arrayeda1387
well-clada1400
well-apparelledc1450
well-dressed1484
fine1526
point-devicea1529
feat1560
tiffety-taffety1595
well-gowned1632
well-rigged1741
neat-dressed1757
smartc1778
well-turned-out1825
well-tailored1828
upholstered1892
whip-smart1937
sharp1944
pressed1963
c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 37 Feat was hir array.
c1450 Crt. of Love 1087 Patens faire and fete.
1560 Proude Wyves Pater Noster 47 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. IV. 153 Women..Go feete and fresshe and trymme in theyr gere.
1613 G. Wither Epithal. Juvenil. (1633) 364 In your neat'st and feat'st adorning.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. i. 278 Looke how well my Garments sit vpon me, Much feater then before. View more context for this quotation
1880 W. H. Patterson Gloss. Words Antrim & Down
4. Neat in form or appearance, pretty, ‘nice’, elegant.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > pleasing appearance > [adjective] > neat or trim
netc1330
pertc1330
cleanc1386
nicec1400
picked?c1425
dapperc1440
feata1471
gim1513
trig1513
well-trimmedc1513
trick1533
smirk1534
tricksy1552
neat1559
netty1573
deft1579
primpc1590
briska1593
smug1598
spruce1598
sprink1602
terse1602
compt1632
nitle1673
sprig1675
snod1691
tight1697
smugged1706
snug1714
pensy1718
fitty1746
jemmy1751
sprucy1774
smartc1778
natty1785
spry1806
perjink1808
soigné1821
nutty1823
toiletted1823
taut1829
spick and span1846
spicy1846
groomed1853
spiffy1853
well-groomed1865
bandboxy1870
perjinkity1880
spick-span1888
bandbox1916
tiddly1925
whip-smart1937
spit and polish1950
spit-and-polished1977
a1471 MS. Cantab. F f. ii. 38, f. 48 (Halliw.) Ye fele ther fete, so fete ar thay.
1519 W. Horman Vulgaria x. f. 113 She wereth corked slippers to make hir tal & feet.
c1525 J. Rastell New Commodye Propertes of Women sig. Aiiiv Her mouth proper & feate.
1594 H. Plat Jewell House 7 Small and feate Leaden weightes.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 292 The Sarmatican kinde of horsses is feat and wel fashioned.
1623 J. Bingham tr. Xenophon Hist. 60 A woman of the featest fashion.
1708 Brit. Apollo 29–31 Dec. To what Use, can I put this feat Creature?
1786 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) I. 153 Lasses feat, an' cleanly neat.
5. Affected, finikin.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > fastidiousness > [adjective]
chisa700
estfula1000
esquaymous1303
squeamousc1325
overnicec1350
curiousc1380
dangerousc1386
delicatea1393
preciousc1395
nicec1400
skigc1400
over-delicatea1425
daintethc1430
ticklec1456
quaint1483
dauncha1500
pickinga1500
feat?1529
elegant?1533
queasy1545
fine1546
fine-fingered1549
fastidious?1555
fine-mouthed1559
chary1567
weamish1571
saucy1573
dainty1576
superfine1576
niced1577
overcurious1579
nicing1581
fineish1582
prick-me-dainty1583
daint1590
finical1592
tiptoe-nice1593
nice1594
nicking1598
choice1601
squeamish1608
marchpane1609
hypercritical1611
particular1616
finicking1661
overcritical1667
just so1696
penurious1703
fal-lal1747
ogertful1754
nackety1756
quiddling1789
pernickety1808
pershittie1808
taffety1814
hypercritic1820
faddy1824
finicky1825
meticulous1827
daintified1834
squeamy1838
picksome1855
choosey1862
picky1867
hyperaesthetic1879
persnickety1885
précieux1891
perskeet1897
tasty1905
Nice Nelly1922
perfectionist1942
snicketya1960
perfectionistic1968
?1529 R. Hyrde tr. J. L. Vives Instr. Christen Woman i. xii. sig. O.iiijv Nor vse her voyce to be feate and nyce.
a1647 Ess. on Death in F. Bacon Wks. (1862) VI. 603 I hold such to be but feat boldness, and them that dare commit it, to be vain.
a1692 T. Shadwell Volunteers (1693) ii. i. 17 'Tis the featest finical fellow, I ever saw.
1705 E. Hickeringill Priest-craft 38 Would Pinkethman..screw his Chaps into such feat Grimaces.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 66 I proposed to flux him; but Greenhat answer'd, That if he recovered, he'd be as prim and feat as ever he was.
B. adv.
In a ‘feat’ manner.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > pleasing appearance > [adverb] > neatly or trimly
feata1525
pickedlya1528
trimly1534
trim1544
netly1564
neata1578
neatly1577
smugly?1578
deftly1579
neatly1581
trickly1581
trick1594
sprucely1598
spruce?1605
comptly1611
snogly1615
spruntly1631
queemly1703
snodly1721
trigly1728
tidilya1756
natty1810
spick and span1815
tightly1825
featly1834
jemmily1837
nattily1849
dapperly1858
snappily1936
a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 518 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 111 To fecht for ye faith fete.
c1530 A. Barclay Egloges ii. sig. Hij v That can gambawd, or daunce feat and gent.
1609 W. Shakespeare Louers Complaint in Sonnets sig. K2 Letters..With sleided silke, feate and affectedly Enswath'd.
Compounds
feat-bodied, feat-looking adjs.
ΚΠ
a1625 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Coxcombe iii. iii, in Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Oo2v/1 This is a feate bodied thing I tell you.
1877 E. Peacock Gloss. Words Manley & Corringham, Lincs. (at cited word) ‘She's a feat-lookin' lass.’
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† featv.
Obsolete.
1.
a. transitive. To equip, furnish, make fit.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > provide or supply (a person or thing) with anything > equip or outfit
frameOE
dightc1275
fayc1275
graith1297
attire1330
purveyc1330
shapec1330
apparel1366
harnessc1380
ordaina1387
addressa1393
array1393
pare1393
feata1400
point1449
reparel?c1450
provide1465
fortify1470
emparel1480
appoint1490
deck?15..
equip1523
trim1523
accoutre1533
furnish1548
accommodate1552
fraught1571
suit1572
to furnish up1573
to furnish out1577
rig1579
to set out1585
equipage1590
outreik1591
befit1598
to furnish forth1600
fita1616
to fit up1670
outrig1681
to fit out1722
mount?1775
outfit1798
habilitate1824
arm1860
to fake out1871
heel1873
a1400–50 Alexander 4632 We ere fetid full faire, & hes oure fyue wittis.
1613 P. Forbes Comm. Rev. xv. 151 The preachers are feated by swallowing of the little booke.
1613 P. Forbes Comm. Rev. xv. 152 These Ministers of the last wrath are feated and prepared to this great execution.
b. to feat oneself forth: to display oneself.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > make ostentatious display [verb (reflexive)]
to feat oneself fortha1400
peacocka1586
venditate1600
air1828
overplume1890
spread1891
showboat1984
a1400–50 Alexander 3989 He feetis him forth in his force & in his faire hiȝte.
2. Falconry. = feak v.2 (of which it may be a corruption).
ΚΠ
1508 Bp. J. Fisher Wks. (1876) 154 There she [the sparowe] wypeth and feteth her byl.
1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie 120 You must..feate hir beake & cope hir reasonably.
3. ? To constrain to propriety.
ΚΠ
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) i. i. 49 [He] Liu'd in Court..A sample to the yongest: to th' more Mature, A glasse that feated them. View more context for this quotation
Derivatives
ˈfeated adj. suited.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > [adjective]
goodeOE
rightOE
queemlOE
belonglOE
behovingc1175
limplyc1200
tidefula1300
avenantc1300
mackc1330
worthy1340
hemea1350
convenientc1374
seemlya1375
shapelyc1374
ablea1382
cordant1382
meetc1385
accordable1386
accordinga1387
appurtenantc1386
pertinentc1390
accordanta1393
likea1393
setea1400
throa1400
agreeablec1425
habilec1425
suitly1426
competentc1430
suiting1431
fitc1440
proportionablec1443
justc1450
congruent?a1475
cordinga1475
congruec1475
afferant1480
belonging1483
cordable1485
hovable1508
attainanta1513
accommodate1525
agreeing1533
respondent1533
opportunate?1541
appropriate1544
commode1549
familiar1553
apt1563
pliant1565
liable1570
sortly1570
competible1586
sortable1586
fitty1589
accommodable1592
congruable1603
affining1606
feated1606
suity1607
reputable1611
suited1613
idoneousa1615
matchable1614
suitablea1616
congruous1631
fitten1642
responsal1647
appropriated1651
adapt1658
mack-like1672
squared1698
homogeneous1708
applicable1711
unforeign1718
fitted1736
congenial1738
assorted1790
accommodatable1874
OK1925
1606 W. Birnie Blame of Kirk-buriall vii. sig. C1v We mumchance and mourgean in such dilicate duilles, better feated for wowing nor woing.
ˈfeating n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > [noun]
covenablenessa1382
covenabletec1384
propertya1387
abilitya1398
congruencec1430
conveniencec1430
meetnessc1449
congruencya1513
conveniency1526
congruity1530
familiarity1551
suitableness1594
familiarnessa1617
idoneity1617
connaturalnessa1628
suitability1648
adequateness1650
adaptness1657
competibilitya1660
accommodateness1660
adaptation1663
adaptedness1673
evenliness1674
condecence1678
decorousness1678
feating1682
resemblance1715
idoneousness1727
appropriateness1731
favourableness1775
adaptitude1806
adaptment1831
1682 N. O. tr. N. Boileau-Despréaux Lutrin iii. Argt. Yet for all's Feating, The proof of th' Pudding's seen i' th' eating.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
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n.1362adj.adv.c1325
v.a1400